Hi - My partner and I just found out that she is expecting
twins! We're very excited. However, the doctor identified on
our 8 week ultrasound that the fetuses are slightly different
in size. He said this was something to watch but not be overly
concerned about - but of course we're concerned! Has anyone
delivered healthy twins having had a size difference at 8
weeks? Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Lauren

My twins were not identified as being different sizes as early
as 8 weeks (when I found out I was having twins) but ''baby
B'' was always bigger throughout my pregnancy. They were
born at 5 pounds 5oz and 6 pounds 6oz. They are 2 years
old now, have totally different body types (and personality
and hair color, etc.), and they are about 5 pounds apart. I
understand that there are potential problems that need to
be monitored but don't worry unless your doctor tells you to.
Congratulations!
Suzanne
I am a mother of 7-month old twins and while I did not have your
situation a friend of mine did and I asked her if she'd mind
sharing her experience with you. It won't answer a lot of
questions but hopefully it will be reassuring to you. This is
what she wrote:
''When I first learned during my ultrasound that I was
having twins, I was told that the fetuses were
slightly different sizes. It was something that the
doctors watched closely throughout my pregnancy. My
husband and I were worried most of the pregnancy
especially with what we read on the Internet. Don't
believe everything you read. The entire pregnancy
they were different sizes. Their weight at birth was
1 1/2 pounds difference. Both the boys are very
healthy and still have a slight weight difference.
Their pediatrician thinks their weight will even out
closer to 2 years old.''

There is a great support group for new and expectant parents of
multiples called Twins By The Bay. They meet every other
Wednesday from 10AM to 12:00 noon in Berkeley. The next meeting
is March 24th I think. I went to these meetings after my twins
were born until just recently and my only regret is that I did
not go before they were born. It was extremely helpful for me.
Best wishes!
B. D

When I was pregnant with my twins, we had a slight difference
in size and one twin had a lot more fluid in his sac than the
other one did. This is called polyhydramnios and can be an
indication of a serious condition called twin to twin
transfusion syndrome. There is an abundance of information on
the web re this. The danger is actually to the larger twin.
Anyway, as I understand it, a mere difference in size is not
the problem. Only if the twins are transferring blood between
each other is there a problem. That is why they will watch
it. You will have more ultrasounds than you would otherwise
get so that they can observe what is happening. In my case,
the polyhydramnios resolved itself before the pregnancy was
over (at about 33 weeks) and one twin was simply larger than
the other one (7 lb 13 oz v. 5 lb 6 oz at birth). There
continues to be a fairly substantial difference between them in
weight and height almost 6 years later. They are brothers who
simply take after different sides of our family. If it is twin
to twin transfusion syndrome and it is severe, there are now
treatment options but I would try not to get too far ahead of
yourself. You simply have a size difference right now.
Normally, that is not a big deal. They just have to watch you
more carefully to be sure. Good luck.
Mom of healthy different sized twins
I had twins 9 weeks ago and one was larger than the other from
the very beginning. The size difference continued throughout
the pregnancy, and I delivered 2 healthy babies at 38 weeks with
radically different sizes - 8 lb. 14 oz. and 6 lb. 1 oz. Both
are fine - they are just different sized people! Because of the
size difference I was closely monitored via ultrasound, but
since even the smaller twin was ''normal sized'' for a twin
pregnancy there was no problem. So I wouldn't worry, esp. this
early in your pregnancy.
Millicent

On January 20th, I went for my first ultrasound and learned I am
carrying twins (currently at seven weeks)! My excitment to see
two hearts beat is immeasureable, yet tempered as I am 41 and
this is my third (unassisted) pregnancy in one year. Having
miscarried in Feb '03 (week 8) and July '03 (week 6), my OB has
prescribed 25 mg of natural progesterone suppositories 2x/day.

Can anyone share their experience taking progestrone and/or
carrying twins? What other measures are taken for high risk
pregnancies? I had scant spotting on Friday (1/30) followed by
normal pregnancy symptoms: sore breasts (caused by the
progesterone?), frequent urination at night, elevated basal body
temperature since ovulation (is it just the progesterone?)

Spotting has me scared as that was how my two previous
miscarriages started. Did anyone have spotting during their
pregnancies and go full term? Is seeing the hearts beat a
milestone? Has anyone ever used a fetal heart monitor (doppler)
at home?

My OB delivers at Alta Bates. She said an epidural is a given
because of the twins. Is this true?

My husband and I will be parents for the first time. I am new to
the Bay Area and grateful to tap into the Berkeley Parents
Network for support.
Great Expectations

Congratulations! I can't tell you about twins, but I can tell
you about progesterone and bleeding-through. I had three bleed-
through epiosodes in my pregnancy: 6 weeks, 7 weeks, and 13
weeks. After the first one, they put me on progesterone. I
stayed on it 'til 14 weeks. I don't specifically remember any
affects from it, but I wanted to do whatever it would take to
keep my baby. After each bleeding episode, I went to my OBGYN
and she checked for a heartbeat -- strong and steady. Then we'd
follow up a week later; still strong and steady. She just told
me to take it easy -- no strenuous physical exercise -- walking
was fine though. She monitored me more carefully than the
average pregnancy -- more non-stress tests and the possibility
of in! ducing; but my daughter chose her own birth time and she's
now a healthy almost-9-month-old (and the light of my life).
Good luck!!
bethb
congratulations on your twins! I can tell you that the symptoms that
you
mentioned (frequent urination, sore breasts and increased basal temp)
all
happened to me and I was not taking any progesterone. My doctors made
me
stop work at about 24 weeks and put me on limited bed rest (what I
wouldn't
do to sit around and read and watch movies now!) because my cervix was
a
little soft (it didn't get any softer until I gave birth at 38 1/2
weeks).
I gave birth in Southern California (we are new to the area too) and
they also
told me that I would need an epidural for the birth. My doctor said
that it was
in case I had to have an emergency c-section th! ey would already have
the
epidural in place for the meds (I ended up delivering vaginally).
Good luck with the pregnancy!
Beth L
Congratulations to you! I am also pregnant with twins - now in
my 19th week. We feel twice blessed. I also miscarried one year
ago so we have been elated to be holding this pregnancy.
I am 42 and took prometrium (mycronized progesterone) 2x a day
from the start. I also was taking Chinese herbs from an
acupuncturist who specializes in pregnancy for the first two
months (Dr. Liang in San Francisco but there are excellent
resources in tehe East Bay like Marti Lee Kennedy and Laurel
Brody).

I also spent alot of time resting -- surrendering to the miracle
of the pregnancy, letting my body adjust to growing two babies,
and opening to the faith that my body could hold the pregnancy.
Do be gentle with yourself with your fears and concerns -- as
they are natural and reach out for people to help you stay in
your heart, and the possibilities that are unfolding. We saw the
2 heartbeats at 8 weeks, and then our ultrasound at 12 weeks
really helped us to move more fully into the blessing of the
pregnancy.

Do you know about Twins By the Bay? They have resources and a
network for pregnant women and moms of multiples. You can find
them on the internet and they are a wonderful resource.
twiced blessed pregnant with twins

Congratulations! Your story is so similar to mine that I had to
respond.

I also had 2 miscarriages (9 weeks, and 14 weeks), and then
(naturally) conceived twins. I had some spotting with the twins around
10
weeks that through me for a real panic, but turned out to be nothing.
I'm 38 (was 37 when they were conceived). So don't panic! Most likely
it;s fine.

My twins were born vaginally, full-term, without an epidural, at
Summit
Hospital. I had been planning to have them at Alta Bates, but
specifically
switched because Summit is a bit more more relaxed (I heard) about
all the high tech interventions and precautions (which I was really
trying to
avoid). Both places apparently make twin moms birth in the operating
room,
which I *really* hated, but at least at Summit, I was allowed 2
support people
(husband and doula). At Alta BAtes, I was told, only one would be
allowed in
the operating room when my twins were born, even if they were both
born
vaginally (as they were). Also, all the rooms are private at SUmmit.
Never
birthed at AB, so can't really compare, but I was satisfied with the
nursing care
at Summit, and I am a pretty tough customer (though if you've never BF
before, I found some of the&! nbsp; nurses knowlege lacking there---don't know
if it
might be better at AB).
I loved my OB----Dr. Bill Isenberg. Good luck!
Karen

Forgot to say: my OB also prescribed progesterone. I researched
it as much as I could (internet and asking second opinions from
other docs), and decided not to take it. There didn;t seem to
be serious evidence it could help, and I was skeptical as to whether
it was really known to be safe. (Nor did I find any evidence it
is harmful, but I just tend towards ''natural'' things).
Karen
I had twins 3 years ago after IVF at the age of 44. I know your
pregnancy was unassisted, but I thought it might help you to
know that progesterone is pretty standard practice after IVF.
It just may be the answer to your previous miscarriage
problems.

I also had a frightening incident of spotting (actually it was
more like bleeding). After a few days of bedrest, I was assured
by my doctor that things were ''still OK.'' My son and daughter
were delivered after 36 1/2 weeks.
I also delivered at Alta Bates, but can't tell you whether the
epidural is ''standard.'' It seems to me that those decisions
depend on you and your doctor. I ended up with a scheduled c-
section and was very happy with that.
As far as other ''high risk'' measures, you can expect LOTS more
ultrasounds throughout your pregnancy. I found these very re-
assuring and asked for them as often as possible. The first
heartbeat IS a milestone, but there are many other important
ones to come.
Best of luck to you. Feel free to email me if I can be of help.
Debbie

Sorry to hear about your miscarries. Well I have no experience
in birthing twins but I do know that spotting is not a ''bad
sign'' in all cases. I had a friend who spotted a lot during her
first and half of her second trimester. She had a wonderful
birth and baby was healthy. I'm sure you've already heard to
get plenty of rest and to be in good spirit (as much as
possible).

As for receiving an epidural in the hospital....it is
completely your choice. There might be a protocol to give every
mother who is carrying twins an epidural but by no means do you
have to do anything. You can always ask, is there any reason
why I can't birth my twins drug free if I wish? Mothers have
and are birthing twins w/o medication. Being a high risk, keep an open mind and do what you feel
is best for you and baby. But
as long as the you and babies are in good shape (ie. good heart
beats) you can birth w/o an epidural.
I wish you much luck through the rest of your pregnancy and
CONGRATULATIONS!
tmnm

I wasn't carrying twins, but I experienced 2 or 3 days of spotting when
I was 7
weeks pregnant. It was scary for me and my husband, but it eventually
stopped
and everything turned out fine. One thing my OB asked me about was the
color
and amount of spotting. Mine was dark brown and only amounted to maybe
a
teaspoon total.
Good luck and best wishes!
anon
Hi,
I am a mother of twins who gave birth at 42, with IVF. I can
give you more specifics if you email me. But I will say the
following:
-I did have spotting for several weeks and sore breasts
-I did have frequent urination (although not as bad as later
on!)
-I took progesterone in suppository and injection form
- I don't know what my BBT was, as I didn't take it.
I recommend, when you feel comfortable with
acknowledging your pregnancy that you join the Twins by the
Bay group, it has been invaluable to me. Please feel free to
email me for more specifics on my birthing experiences etc.
Older mom of twins
arterrier
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
I am 26 weeks pregnant with twins and also had a miscarriage in
the past so can understand your concerns. I experienced
spotting in this pregnancy from 4 until 10 weeks and was
assured by my doctor that, whilst nervewracking for me, this is
very common with twin pregnancies. The symptoms you reported
are reassuring but you're right, they would be exacerbated by
the progesterone which also renders your BBT inaccurate.
Incidentally, I conceived through my second attempt at IVF and
had supplementary progesterone both times but did not 'feel'
pregnant on my first (failed) attempt.
Seeing the hearts beating normally is definitely a milestone. I
have been renting a fetal doppler since 10 weeks which I used
fairly frequently at first but now only about once a w! eek
because the babies are wriggling around so much that I don't
feel the need.
I'm under the care of East Bay Perinatal Associates in Oakland
who I'm very happy with, and the doctors deliver at both Summit
and Alta Bates. I was told that epidurals aren't routinely
administered for twins but the chances of a c-section are
obviously higher, so there is a possibility of having to have a
general anesthetic if there isn't an epidural already in place.
As far as other measures for 'high risk' pregnancies - I
currently see a perinatologist every fortnight (was monthly at
first) and will soon be weekly. Sonograms every 4 weeks which
is a bonus!
There's an organisation called Twins by the Bay which you might
be interested in; www.homestead.com/twinsbythebay/
Hope this helps and good luck!!
Becky

We just found out last week that we are expecting twins. We are
excited, but a little bit overwhelmed: twice the hugs, twice the kisses,
twice the
diapers!!
I'd like any advice anyone can offer regarding resources for parents of
twins: books, parent groups, etc. Also, any other advice any experienced
folks
want to offer would be gladly received. My biggest concern is that the arrival
of two siblings will be overwhelming for our two-year-old daughter.
Thanks! Susan and Richard

Hi,
First I would like to start off by saying congratulations. I am a
single parent of 2.5yr old twins (boy/girl). Although sometimes things
get alittle rough its not as bad as you may think. The one key thing
is to try and get the twins on a schedule it may be difficult at first
but soon everyone involved will adapt. As time goes on things get
alittle easier. Remember your life is never going to be the same but
it also will never be as fun or rewarding when you see your children
grow and learn new things. I'm not an expert at raising children, but
I may be able to talk you through some of the rough times.
J. Gray
Congrats! My twin daughters just turned one and I feel I am so lucky to
have two wonderful kids.
(see Twins Support Groups)

Nov 1999

I have just learned I am having twins -- and I have a 17 month old
right now! Frankly I am scared. Do people have wisdom regarding having
twins in general, or expecially when you already have one in diapers?
How about resources?

Congratulations on your upcoming twins! As a father of 7 month old
twins, I can tell you there are a joy. It does take work, but not
twice as much, and you get more than double back. One good group is
the Mothers of Twins Club, with the local club called "Twins by the
Bay". Their web site is at: http://www.homestead.com/twinsbythebay/
Oh twins! There are parents of twins organizations and support
groups and the phenomenon is more and more common as time goes on, with
older mommies and fertility drugs and better pre-natal care. There are
books and others with experience........ in fact, what the hey! I have
experience. Calm down. It's hard raising twins, but the rewards are
incredible. Write to me. I'm friendly, and I've survived under
circumstances that have to be more arduous than having another kid in
diapers. Not to worry.
I too found out that I was having twins when my son was about 15 months old,
and was in shock for a few months. I went to several meetings of the monthly
Berkeley Twins Club, which helped me to feel less like a freak of nature. I
did stop going in the last trimester of my pregnancy because I heard too many
stories about premature births and started to worry unnecessarily. I like
the Joy of Twins book--there's another by Elizabeth Noble (I think) that is
too scary. The best advice I got was to get help (we don't have family in the
area). We started with someone 3 hours a day when our twins were 5 weeks
old, and she is still with us over 1 1/2 years later. Her help has been
incredible--help with the house as well as the kids, and we have rearranged
her hours as I have gone back to very part time work. Also, be sure to give
good mommy time to your older child alone every day, even if it is reading
in bed when you are tired.

Having three wasn't what I had envisioned, but now that I have them I like
the feeling of a small tribe, and I am beginning to see how they will soon be
having a lot of fun together. It is hard on the oldest kid, and continues to
be, but he has learned how to be empathetic and older brotherly in ways we
are realy proud of. We try to be understanding when he hits his bother and
sister--this continues to be a challenge. I have also always made an effort
to get out of the house every day, often twice a day and do all the fun kid
things to do, just with three. My advice would be to do this, and not make
having three a psychological hindrance. Feel free to e-mail me if you want
more advice! Good luck, and don't worry about the pregnancy.